Indiana’s agribusiness industry needs knowledgeable, connected and confident leaders who are ready to shape its future.
The Agribusiness Council of Indiana’s Emerging Professionals Leadership Program develops the next generation of leaders by giving rising professionals a deeper understanding of Indiana’s agribusiness industry, meaningful connections with industry and government leaders, and hands-on opportunities to strengthen their leadership skills. Since its launch in 2014, EPLP has helped build a stronger leadership pipeline for Indiana agribusiness. Each year, ACI selects a class of approximately 25 emerging leaders from across its membership for this year-long experience. |
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More Than a Leadership Program
EPLP gives participants an inside look at the people, businesses, policies and issues shaping Indiana agriculture. Throughout the year, participants will:
- Explore Indiana’s agribusiness sectors through behind-the-scenes visits to companies representing seed, feed, grain, plant food and agricultural chemical industries.
- Build leadership skills through professional development focused on communication, leadership and personal growth.
- Gain a stronger understanding of policy and how state and federal government decisions impact agribusiness.
- Connect with industry leaders and build relationships with fellow emerging professionals from across Indiana.
- Engage with policymakers through opportunities at the Indiana Statehouse and with Indiana’s congressional delegation.
- Experience agribusiness beyond your day-to-day role by gaining a broader perspective of the industry and its interconnected sectors.
- Build a network that lasts beyond the program through relationships with classmates, ACI members and industry leaders.
What You'll Experience
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Industry Immersion
Go behind the scenes with leading Indiana agribusinesses and learn how different sectors of the industry operate, collaborate and contribute to Indiana agriculture.
Program tracks include:
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Policy & Advocacy
Develop a better understanding of the legislative and regulatory issues affecting agribusiness at both the state and federal levels.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
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Leadership Development
Strengthen the skills you need to lead—whether you're managing a team today or preparing for your next leadership opportunity.
The program emphasizes:
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Connections That Matter
One of the greatest benefits of EPLP is the network you build along the way.
You'll learn alongside emerging leaders from across Indiana's agribusiness community while developing relationships with ACI members, industry executives, policymakers and other agricultural leaders. |
2027 Session Schedule
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January 27 - State Policy Track - Indiana Government Center
February 10 - ACI Statehouse Day - Indianapolis March 11 - Plant Food Track - AgPlus - South Whitley, IN May 12/13 - Grain Track - CGB - Jeffersonville, IN June 24 - Feed Track - Superior Ag - Dale, IN |
July 17 - Ag Chem Track - Corteva Agriscience - Indianapolis
September 14/15 - Federal Policy Track - Washington, DC October 7 - Seed Track - Bayer - Remington, IN December 7 - Bringing It All Together - Keystone Cooperative - Indianapolis |
Is EPLP Right for You?
EPLP is designed for professionals who are ready to expand their perspective, grow their network and take the next step in their leadership journey.
You should consider applying if you want to:
You don't need to have all the answers or already consider yourself a leader. EPLP is designed to help you become one.
You should consider applying if you want to:
- Deepen your understanding of Indiana's agribusiness industry
- Learn how policy and regulation affect your business and industry
- Develop stronger leadership and communication skills
- Expand your professional network
- Become more involved in ACI and Indiana agriculture
- Prepare yourself for future leadership opportunities
- Become a stronger advocate and voice for agriculture
You don't need to have all the answers or already consider yourself a leader. EPLP is designed to help you become one.
Is Your Company Ready to Invest in Its Next Leader?
EPLP isn't just an investment in an individual—it's an investment in the future of your organization and Indiana's agribusiness industry. By sending an emerging professional through EPLP, companies can help employees:
Give your next generation of leaders the opportunity to grow.
- Develop leadership skills they can bring back to the workplace
- Build relationships across the Indiana agribusiness community
- Better understand the issues affecting the industry
- Develop confidence in representing their company and agriculture
- Prepare for expanded responsibilities and future leadership roles
Give your next generation of leaders the opportunity to grow.
Program Requirements
Applicants must:
Program Fee: $4,250
- Work for an ACI member organization or company.
- Receive approval from their supervisor and/or company leadership to participate.
- Complete the EPLP application, including one letter of recommendation.
- Commit to attending the scheduled program sessions.
- Have their supervisor and/or company leadership sign a letter of commitment.
Program Fee: $4,250
